TENCEL and Lyocell Sheets UK

Hands resting on a smooth eucalyptus lyocell pillowcase

If you have been looking at cooler, softer sheets, you will have seen two words used almost interchangeably: TENCEL™ and lyocell. They are related, but they are not the same thing. Here is what each means, and what to look for when you buy.

What lyocell is

Lyocell is a fibre made from wood pulp. The pulp is dissolved and spun into long, smooth, round fibres, which are then woven into fabric. Eucalyptus is a common source because it grows quickly without irrigation or pesticides.

The process is closed loop, which means the water and solvents used to make the fibre are recovered and reused rather than released. For well-run production, up to 99% of them are recovered.

What TENCEL™ is

TENCEL™ is a trademarked brand name for lyocell and modal fibres, owned by Lenzing AG. When a product says TENCEL™, it is telling you which producer made the fibre. Lyocell is the name of the fibre itself, whoever makes it.

The Sheets are 100% eucalyptus lyocell, made using a TENCEL™ equivalent process with our manufacturing partner in Hangzhou, China. China is one of the world's leading lyocell producing nations, and Zhejiang province is one of its primary hubs.

In short. All TENCEL™ lyocell is lyocell, but not all lyocell is TENCEL™. What matters most for how a sheet sleeps is the fibre content, the weave and how it has been finished.

Why lyocell sleeps cool

The structure of the fibre carries heat away from the body and moves moisture away from the skin, so the surface you sleep on stays cooler and drier. Because that comes from the fibre rather than a coating, it does not wash out.

The long, smooth fibres also give lyocell its feel: cool to the touch, with a soft drape, and softer with every wash. That is why it is chosen by people who sleep warm, and by anyone who simply wants a calmer, more comfortable bed.

What to look for in lyocell sheets

Fibre content

Check the label for the percentage of lyocell. The Sheets are 100% eucalyptus lyocell, with nothing blended in.

Certifications

Look for independent certification rather than claims. The Sheets are certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which means the fabric has been tested for harmful substances, and FSC, which covers responsible forestry.

No cooling treatments

A fabric that needs a chemical finish to feel cool will lose it over time. The Sheets have no cooling treatments applied.

The fit

Many modern mattresses, especially with a topper, are deeper than a standard fitted sheet allows for. The fitted sheet in The Sheets has a 34cm pocket and elastic all the way round. Our bedding size guide has every measurement.

Care

Lyocell is easy to look after. Machine wash cold at 30 degrees, tumble dry low, and skip bleach and fabric softener.

The Sheets by Mossva

100% eucalyptus lyocell

A deep fitted sheet, duvet cover and four pillowcases, in fabric that carries heat away from the body and gets softer with every wash. Double, King and Super King.

30-night guarantee. Feel the difference or we will refund you in full.

Shop The Sheets from £135

Common questions

Is lyocell the same as TENCEL™?

TENCEL™ is a brand of lyocell made by Lenzing AG. Lyocell is the fibre. The Sheets are 100% eucalyptus lyocell, made using a TENCEL™ equivalent process.

Is lyocell the same as bamboo?

Both start as plant pulp, but the process differs. We compare them in eucalyptus vs bamboo sheets.

Does lyocell have a thread count?

Thread count is a measure used for cotton, and it says little about how any sheet will feel. We explain why in why thread count is a myth.

Is lyocell good for hot sleepers?

The fibre carries heat away from the body and moves moisture away from the skin, so the bed stays cooler and drier. If you run hot at night, our guide to cooling sheets for hot sleepers goes further.

Where are The Sheets made?

With our manufacturing partner in Hangzhou, China, from certified eucalyptus lyocell.